Albert Roux death: Jay Rayner and Michel Roux Jr pay tribute to revolutionary chef

‘An extraordinary man, who left a massive mark on the food story of his adopted country,’ says Rayner

(Rex Features)

Renowned French chef and restaurateur Albert Roux has died at the age of 85.

The founder of the acclaimed London restaurant Le Gavroche, which he founded with his brother, Michel Roux, in 1976, died on January 4 after a long illness.

His death comes almost one year after Michel died at the age of 78. 

A statement from the family reads: "The Roux family has announced the sad passing of Albert Roux, OBE, KFO, who had been unwell for a while, at the age 85 on 4th January 2021.

"Albert is credited, along with his late brother Michel Roux, with starting London's culinary revolution with the opening of Le Gavroche in 1967.

"The Roux family have requested that their privacy at this time be respected."

Albert Roux’s son, chef and Masterchef star Michel Roux Jr said: “He was a mentor for so many people in the hospitality industry, and a real inspiration to budding chefs, including me.”

Leading figures within the culinary industry have paid homage to Roux on social media in the wake of his death.

Food critic Jay Rayner tweeted: "Albert Roux was an extraordinary man, who left a massive mark on the food story of his adopted country. 

“The roll call of chefs who went through the kitchens of Le Gavroche alone, is a significant slab of a part of modern UK restaurant culture. RIP.”

Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Albert Roux, 85, just 9 months after the death of his brother Michel.

"Two culinary titans who revolutionised the UK restaurant scene & mentored so many more great chefs.

"Both wonderful characters, touched by genius, who brought pleasure to many palates. Thank you."

Chef James Martin also paid tribute to Roux, by describing his death as “such a sad start to the year”.

“Albert Roux was a true titan of the food scene in this country and inspired and trained some of the best and biggest names in the business,” he tweeted.

"RIP and today I will open a bottle of the finest red and raise a glass... in fact the bottle to you and your brother and say thank you for everything. My thoughts to all the Roux family and friends."

Additionally, chef Tom Kitchin tweeted: “One of the true culinary greats has left us... Merci chef.. My thoughts are with the Roux family and the army of chefs you’ve influenced over the years.. You will be missed but never forgotten.. RIP."

The Michelin Guide, which awarded Le Gavroche with three Michelin stars, tweeted: "Albert Roux OBE, along with his late brother Michel, was a father of the UK restaurant industry and his legacy will live on through the many chefs who passed through his kitchen.

"All of us at the Michelin Guide send our heartfelt condolences to the Roux family."